With the 2015 completion of the new highway from Playa del Carmen traveling NorthWest, Isla Holbox becomes more accessible for short trips as well as day trips. From Camp Akumal you can reach the Ferry Dock in Chiquila in just under 2 hours. The new toll road costs 92 pesos each way per car. Once in Chiquila, you will find a variety of parking lots, we parked right next to the dock for 50 peso per day. The ferries seem to leave every half hour and take about 20 minutes to reach Isla Holbox. The cost is 100 pesos (70 pesos for locals) one way. Children under 5 are free.
Isla Holbox is best know for Whale Shark Tours. In the summer months between June and September they arrive near the island to feed and to mate. These creatures are extremely large, about 25 feet long, but not predators. You should, however, maintain a respectful and safe distance. By all accounts, this once in a lifetime experience is awe inspiring. Like the Akumal Turtles, we are encountering these creatures in the natural habitat, not locked in a zoo or pen. However, also like Akumal, an influx of tourists may have negative affects on their environment. Please remember to wear bio degradable sunscreen and do not touch the whales or use flash photography.
The tours can be quite expensive, usually well over 100 USD per person. But if you do not book in advance and try to strike a deal once you have arrived on the island, you may fair better. Many boat will agree to not charge for children who will not enter the water, but only come on the boat. Also, there is never certainty that you will see a whale. Some days people have waited in the boats for hours and still not spotted one, or if they do, there are already 40 other boats surrounding it. You should ask your captain for a “guarantee”, to pay a lower price if you do not encounter the whale shark.
However, Isla Holbox is not just about Whale Sharks. It is a wonderful place to chill out and relax! There are no cars on the island so the means of transport is golf cart, bicycle or foot. The main “town” consists of basically one road heading from the ferry dock on the south side of the island to the beach on the north side. It is quite charming and authentic. There are beautiful murals painted on many homes and businesses, cute little tourist shops and cafes. Upon arrival, if you walk about 3 blocks up the main road you can find places to rent golf carts & bikes. It is 500 pesos for 4 hours of a Golf Cart in low season, the price is higher when there are more tourists.
Once you hit the north side, if you drive as far as you can to the west, and then to the east, it will take less than an hour. Stop for a while to take a swim and relax on a beach…it is very quite and peaceful! The water is very shallow and calm, perfect for children. You can either find an isolated spot away from the crowds or spend the afternoon at one of the beach bars.
Isla Hoblox is a great place to visit if you are looking for a less crowded atmosphere and a laid back beach vibe. I don’t know that I could spend more than a couple days on this charming little island without getting a bit bored, but I would definitely recommend it as a place to see!